Method and a system for determination of particles in a liquid sample

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to apparatuses for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies and methods for determining a system of coordinates for measuring points on an apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies. The apparatus and the method are characterized by particular simplicity and easy implementation. Advantageously, this makes the apparatus and method applicable in production sites for special workpieces. This opens up a wide and highly cost-efficient range of uses. Before the workpieces are measured, a system of coordinates for three-dimensional matching of the workpiece geometry is determined in a first measurement. A body with known dimensions of its edges or lines is placed on any position on the turntable and measured during one rotation using the triangulation sensor. The apparatus according to the invention is thus characterized by its minimal design. The low number of movements required, i.e. one translatory movement of the triangulation sensor and a rotational movement of the turntable, results in determining the outline of a body with a minimal error of measurement.

[0001] Apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measuring of bodies and method for determining a system of coordinates for measuring point coordinates,

[0002] This invention relates to apparatuses for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies and methods for determining a system of coordinates for measuring points on an apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measuring of bodies.

[0003] The triangulation method is one of the most common methods used in range and length measurement and two- or three-dimensional contour detection. A triangulation sensor is used, and the beam from a laser diode is focused through a lens on the workpiece. It produces a bright light spot. When this light spot is viewed at a fixed angle using a position detector or camera, the place where the spot it shown moves within the image as soon as the intersecting point of the laser beam and the workpiece are moved relative to the sensor. This displacement is measured to determine the distance of the workpiece or its surface contour when moving perpendicular to the illuminating laser beam.

[0004] DE 43 01 538 A1 (Apparatus and arrangement for non-contact three-dimensional measuring, in particular for measuring plaster casts of teeth) uses a turntable on which the body to be measured is placed, a triangulation sensor and a data processing and control unit connected to it to determine the geometry of rounded parts. Measurement is based on either local calibration of each measuring head that must take into account in summary the actual position of measuring surfaces in space by coordinate transformation, or calibration of the entire measuring system using at least one calibrating body where all points in space that are of interest are entered into a joint calibration table. Calibration cannot be avoided.

[0005] DE 44 07 518 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for non-contact measurement of three-dimensional objects based on optical triangulation. The triangulation sensor can be moved in one direction (y direction) and pivoted in the x plane across a preset angular position at a fixed point that can be chosen. This involves two independent movements of the triangulation sensor. The object to be measured is located on the turntable. This turntable on the one band provides rotary movement, on the other hand it can be moved in vertical direction to the movement of the sensor using another driving mechanism. The movements of the triangulation sensor and the turntable determine the coordinates of the measuring spot of the radiation source. Tilting the triangulation sensor allows measuring most dimensions of undercuts, covered points, pocket holes and similar spots of the object, DE 40 37 383 A1 (Method for continuous contactless measurement of outlines and arrangement for carrying out the measuring procedure) uses triangulation to determine the outer contour line of a moving profile. The sensor only detects the distance to the profile and thus its contour. The measuring spot cannot be placed in a system of coordinates.

[0006] DE 195 04 126 A1 (Apparatus and method for contactless measurement of three-dimensional objects using optical triangulation), DE 197 27 226 A1 (Set-up of measuring instruments and method for contactless measurement of the three-dimensional spatial shape of a groove in a spectacles frame), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,560 (Method and apparatus for measuring workpiece surface topography) record the outlines of workpieces or workpiece parts to be detected step by step. The respective workpiece or workpiece part is only measured relatively.

[0007] Coordinate measurement on an object surface is carried out in DE 40 26 942 A1 (Method for contactless measurement of object surfaces) where images are recorded using a camera. This camera is mounted to an index arm of a coordinate gauging device that can be moved in three spatial directions (x and y directions and pivoting). The object to be measured is located on a turntable,

[0008] The problem of the invention is to provide easy three-dimensional measurement of the geometry of a body and to easily and correctly match triangulation measurement data with the three-dimensional geography of a body.

[0009] This problem is solved by the following characteristics:

[0010] a turntable (1) receiving a body and an optical triangulation sensor (2) with at least one radiation source, radiation detector, and an optical system. The triangulation sensor (2) is placed above said turnable (1) and can be moved along an axis using a driving mechanism so that radiation from the radiation source hits the body located on the turntable (1) in a system of coordinates. The coordinates are determined, on the one hand, by at least two parallel lines (g1, g2) or body edges with a known spacing (d) and angles (α, β) of the turntable (1) and, on the other hand, by at least two measuring points at known distances (R1, R2) from the center (M) and known displacement (c) of the triangulation sensor (2) between these measuring points, and the turntable (1). The driving mechanism and the triangulation sensor (2) are connected to a data processing and control unit;

[0011] a turntable (1) receiving the body;

[0012] an optical triangulation sensor (2) with at least one radiation source (3), radiation detector (4), and an optical system. The triangulation sensor (2) is placed above the turntable (1) and can be moved along an axis using a driving mechanism so that the radiation (9) from said radiation source (3) hits said body, and;

[0013] a data processing and control unit for turntable (1), driving mechanism and triangulation sensor (2). In the triangulation sensor (2) at least two lines (g1, g2) or body edges running in parallel at a known distance (d) are used to determine angles (α, β) of turntable (1) by rotating said lines and subsequently capturing them in the measuring spot of the triangulation sensor (2) in a first and a second position of the triangulation sensor (2) displaced from the first position by the known dislocation c. The angles are being used to calculate the distances R1, R2 of said triangulation sensor (2) from the center (M) of said turntable and to further calculate the coordinates x, y of said triangulation sensor (2) relative to the turntable center (M) as coordinates of origin.

[0014] The apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies and the method for determining a system of measuring point coordinates on an apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies are characterized by particular simplicity and easy implementation. Advantageously, this makes the apparatus and method applicable in production sites for special workpieces. The design is very simple, and the method requires simple and cost-efficient set-up, which ensures a wide range of uses.

[0015] The basis of the system is an optical triangulation sensor. The beam of a laser diode is focused through a lens on the workpiece. A light spot emerges on the workpiece. This spot is recorded at a fixed angle by a radiation detector. When the workpiece moves relative to the triangulation sensor, the place where the spot is shown also moves within the image. The outline of the workpiece is determined by measuring this displacement.

[0016] Before the workpieces are measured, a system of coordinates for three-dimensional matching of the workpiece geometry is determined in a first measurement. A body with known dimensions of its edges or lines is placed on the turntable and measured during one rotation using the triangulation sensor. The body can be placed on the turntable in any position. Instead of said body, lines can be placed onto or into the surface of the turntable.

[0017] The triangulation sensor can scan the workpiece by moving the sensor along just one axis and rotating or the workpiece. Controlled triggering of the respective driving mechanisms and use of the system of coordinates results in continuous detection of the workpiece geometry at a high measuring data rate and precision. The apparatus according to the invention is thus characterized by its minimal design. The low number of movements required, i.e. one translatory movement of the triangulation sensor and a rotational movement of the turntable, results in determining the outline of a body with a minimal error of measurement.

[0018] Advantageously, the apparatus is particularly suited for measuring rotationally symmetric workpieces. Advantageously, the method can be used to mearsure rotationally symmetric workpieces. Control and calculation of workpiece geometry is advantageously controlled using a computer.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] The apparatus is characterized in that:

[0020] The radiation source (3) of the triangulation sensor (2) is placed in such a way that the radiation from the radiation source (3) is perpendicular to the surface of said turntable (1). The triangulation sensor (2) is placed on a hinge or ball-and-socket joint above the turntable (1) and can be moved along an axis using the driving mechanism. There is at least one sensor that directly and/or indirectly measures the angle between the radiation (9) and the workpiece. At least some areas of Sic surface of a body that produces excessive scattering in the form of multiple reflections of the radiation (9) from the radiation source (3) are fixedly and/or removably covered by a covering body of known thickness and with low-scattering surfaces. The parallel lines or body edges of a measuring body are straight or annular on said turnable (1). A measuring body with at least two edges or a measuring body with at least two lines is placed on said turntable (1) when determining a system of coordinates only. The turntable (1) has at least two end stops for bodies placed at a distance from each other. At least one magnet is integrated into said turntable (1).

[0021] The method is characterized in that:

[0022] The radiation source (3) of said triangulation sensor (2) is placed in such a way that the radiation from the radiation source (3) is perpendicular to the surface of said turntable (1). The parallel lines or body edges of a measuring body are arranged straightly or annularly on said turntable (1). A measuring body with at least two edges or a measuring body with at least two lines is placed on said turntable (1) when determining a system of coordinates only. The radiation source (3) of the triangulation sensor (2) is placed in such a way that the radiation from the radiation source (3) is perpendicular to the surface of the turntable (1).

[0023] The surface profile of the workpiece is detected by one perpendicular movement to the illuminating laser beam of the triangulation sensor.

[0024] The triangulation sensor (2) is placed on a hinge or ball-and-socket joint above said turntable (1) and can be moved along an axis using the driving mechanism. There is at least one sensor that directly and/or indirectly measures the angle between the radiation (9) and the workpiece. The angle of radiation incidence from the triangulation sensor can be changed using a hinge or ball-and-socket joint. Elevations or recesses in the workpiece surface that might not be found can thus be detected or spotted easier. The coordinate data of the incident radiation can be determined by measuring the angle of the triangulation sensor. At least some areas of the surface of a body that produces excessive scattering in the form of multiple reflections of the radiation (9) from said radiation source (3) are fixedly and/or removably covered by a covering body of known thickness and with low-scattering surfaces. Image distortions on the detector that result in errors of measurement may occur when bodies are measured whose surfaces scatter the radiation from the radiation source by causing multiple reflections. To prevent these errors as much as possible, at least the areas of interest of a body to be measured are covered with bodies of known thickness whose surfaces are low-scattering with regard to the radiation used. The thickness of these covering bodies is subtracted from the measured value when evaluating the results of measurement so that the original dimension of the body is a corrected measured value.

[0025] Favorable variants for determining the system of coordinates for the workpieces arc parallel lines or body edges the distance of which is known. Accordingly designed bodies or bodies comprising such lines are placed on the turntable.

[0026] A measuring body with at least two edges or a measuring body with at least two lines is placed on said turntable (1) when determining a system of coordinates only. The system of coordinates has to be measured for commissioning and after a change of location only. Thus the bodies for determining the system of coordinates are required for these measures only.

[0027] At least two end stops placed at a distance from each other or a magnet incorporated in the turntable are preferred variants of guided workpiece positioning. These positioning aids also largely prevent position changes of the workpieces on the turntable when the turntable is moving. If workpieces are similar in shape, these positioning aids ensure that approximately the same position is retained when changing workpieces. This results in simplified and faster geometry measurement. Thus production monitoring systems can respond faster to any incorrect changes of the manufacturing process.

[0028] The radiation source (3) of the triangulation sensor (2) is placed in such a way that the radiation from the radiation source (3) is perpendicular to the surface of said turntable (1). The illuminating laser beam of the triangulation sensor may be vertically directed towards the turntable surface.

[0029] The parallel lines or body edges of a measuring body are arranged straightly or annularly on said turntable (1).

[0030] It is also preferred when determining the system of coordinates for measuring points to use straight or annular lines as parallel lines or body edges. A measuring body with at least two edges or a measuring body with at least two lines is placed on said turntable (1) when determining a system of coordinates only.

[0031] The system of coordinates has to be measured for commissioning and after a change of location only. Thus the bodies for determining the system of coordinates are required for these measures only.

[0032] An embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Wherein:

[0033]FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies,

[0034]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an apparatus with two lines running in parallel and at a known spacing on the turntable,

[0035]FIG. 3 and

[0036]FIG. 4 show the determination of a system of coordinates using two parallel lines or body edges with a known distance from each other, known angles, and a known dislocation of the triangulation sensor.

[0037] An apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measuring of bodies and a method for determining a system of coordinates for measuring points will be explained in greater detail with reference to an embodiment below.

[0038] The apparatus for non-contact three-dimensional measurement of bodies consists of a turntable 1 to place the body on and an optical triangulation sensor 2 with at least one radiation source 3, a radiation detector 4, and optical equipment such as a focusing lens 5 and a projection lens 6.

[0039] The radiation source 3 is a laser diode, and the radiation detector 4 is a monolithic image sensor.

[0040] A U-shaped frame 8 is mounted on a base plate 7. The turntable 1 is placed on the base plate 7 and centered to the center section of the U-shaped frame 8 (see FIG. 1). The diameter of turntable 1 is smaller than the length of the center section of the U-shaped frame 8.

[0041] The center section of the U-shaped frame 8 further comprises a guidance into which the triangulation sensor 2 is placed correspondingly. The triangulation sensor 2 can thus be moved across the turntable 1 using a suitable driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is integrated into the center section. The triangulation sensor 2 is placed onto the center section so that the radiation 9 from the radiation source 3 is perpendicular to the turntable 1.

[0042] The center of the turntable 1 is determined; it marks the point of origin in a system of polar coordinates.

[0043] This system of coordinates is created for the bodies to be measured during first commissioning and when changing the position of the apparatus.

[0044] The turntable 1 comprises several parallel lines (FIGS. 2 and 3), or a measuring body is placed on the turntable 1 to determine the system of coordinates. This measuring body comprises either straight parallel edges or lines for determining a system of coordinates (similar to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). These lines or body edges may be placed any where on the turntable. The spacing between these straight lines or body edges is known. The turntable makes one full turn while the system of coordinates is determined. During this process, lines g1 and g2 are captured in the measuring spots C and D of the triangulation sensor 2. At the same time, the angles of the measuring spots that coincide with line g1 or line g2 are measured, Trigonometric calculations involving tho known distance d=AB between the parallel lines or body edges g1 and g2, the measured angles α and β the right angle between the straight line MB and the lines g1 and g2 result in the radius R1 and thus the distance between the triangulation sensor 2 and the center of the turntable 1 (shown in FIG. 3). ${R1} = \frac{d}{{\cos \quad {\beta/2}} - {\cos \quad {\alpha/2}}}$

[0045] The distance R2 is determined in the same way as R1 by a displacement c of the triangulation sensor 2 or the turntable 1, and a second rotation of the turntable and measurement of angles α and β (shown in FIG. 4). The direction of the displacement c also defines one direction of the system of coordinates. The coordinates x and y of the system of coordinates are determined using the Pythagorean theorem. In this way, the distance of the center of the turntable 1 from the current position of the triangulation sensor 2 x and y+c are obtained. Now the measuring points of the body can be dimensioned. $\begin{matrix} {{y = \frac{{R2}^{2} - {R1}^{2} - c^{2}}{2 \cdot c}}\quad} \\ {x = \sqrt{{R1}^{2} - \left( \frac{{R2}^{2} - {R1}^{2} - c^{2}}{2 \cdot c} \right)^{2}}} \end{matrix}$

[0046] The measurement can be supported by several circles with different radii that arc placed on the turntable 1. These make it easier to allocate dimensions and to position the body on the turntable 1.

[0047] The measuring body can be designed as a film with several annular lines. It may remain on the turntable 1 as an adjustment device for the bodies. The film is therefore glued to the top of the turntable 1.

[0048] The driving mechanisms of the turntable 1 and the triangulation sensor 2 are connected to a computer that controls them. This computer is also used for evaluating the results of measurement. This is why the radiation source 3 and the radiation detector 4 of the triangulation sensor 2 are connected to the computer, too.

[0049] Bodies to cover measuring areas of interest can be used if a body to be measured produces scattering such as multiple reflections of the radiation 9 from the radiation source 3. These covering bodies have a known thickness and consist of a material that does not allow excessive multiple reflections. Such covering bodies may consist of ceramics, for example. This allows basically error-free measurement of surface contours even of bodies that have shining surfaces.

[0050] The turntable 1 may have several end stops or at least one integrated magnet. It is preferred that these end stops on the turntable 1 can be traversed so that bodies with differing geometry can easily be placed in the center of the turntable 1.

[0051] In another embodiment, the U-shaped frame 8 is L-shaped and placed in such a way that one of its limbs runs in parallel to, and on top of, the turntable 1. This limb is the guidance for the triangulation sensor 2 (shown in FIG. 2). 

1-57. (cancelled).
 58. A method for the assessment of at least one quantity parameter and/or at least one quality parameter of bacteria in a liquid analyte material, comprising applying a volume of a liquid sample representing the analyte material, or bacteria isolated from a volume of liquid sample representing the analyte material, to an exposing domain from which exposing domain electromagnetic signals from the sample in the domain can pass to the exterior, exposing, onto an array of active detection elements, an at least one-dimensional spatial representation of electromagnetic signals having passed from the domain, the representation being one which is detectable as an intensity by individual active detection elements, under conditions which will permit processing of the intensities detected by the array of detection elements during the exposure in such a manner that representations of electromagnetic signals from the bacteria are identified as distinct from representations of electromagnetic signals from background signals, and wherein the spatial representation exposed onto the array of detection elements is subject to such a linear enlargement that the ratio of the image of a linear dimension on the array of detection elements to the original linear dimension in the exposing domain is smaller than 10:1, processing the intensities detected by the detection elements in such a manner that signals from the bacteria are identified as distinct from background signals, and correlating the results of the processing to the at least one quantity parameter and/or the at least one quality parameter of the liquid analyte material.
 59. A method according to claim 58, wherein the electromagnetic signals comprise chemoluminescence, photoluminscence, fluorescence or phosphorescence.
 60. A method according to claim 58, wherein the sample compartment has a wall part defining an exposing area, the wall part allowing electromagnetic signals from the sample in the compartment to pass through the wall and to be exposed to the exterior.
 61. A method according to claim 58, wherein the image of the electromagnetic signals is a one-dimensional image.
 62. A method according to claim 58, wherein the image of the electromagnetic signals is a two-dimensional image.
 63. A method according to claim 58, wherein the array of detection elements is arranged in such a way that a series of detection elements form a substantially straight line.
 64. A method according to claim 6, wherein the array of detection elements is arranged in two directions in such a way that the detection elements form a series of substantially parallel straight lines, the series forming a rectangle.
 65. A method according to claim 58, wherein the exposure of the image of electromagnetic signals onto the array of detection elements is performed by focusing an image of electromagnetic signals from at least a part of the exposing domain onto the array of detection elements by means of a focusing means.
 66. A method according to claim 65, wherein the focusing means is a lens consisting of one or several elements.
 67. A method according to claim 58, wherein the individual bacteria the parameter or parameters of which is/are to be assessed are imaged on at the most 5 detection elements.
 68. A method according to claim 58, wherein the interior of the sample compartment has an average thickness of between 20 μm and 200 μm.
 69. A method according to claim 58, wherein the sample compartment has dimensions, in a direction substantially parallel to the array of detection elements, in the range between 1 mm by 1 mm and 10 mm by 10 mm.
 70. A method according to claim 58, wherein the volume of the liquid sample from which electromagnetic radiation is detected on the array is in the range between 0.01 μl and 20 μl.
 71. A method according to claim 70, wherein the volume of the liquid sample from which electromagnetic radiation is detected on the array is in the range between 0.01 μl and 1 μl.
 72. A method according to claim 58, wherein the sample in the sample compartment is at stand still during the exposure.
 73. A method according to claim 58 wherein the sample in the sample compartment is moved through the sample compartment during the exposure, and wherein the exposure is performed over a sufficiently short period of time so substantially obtain stand still condition during the exposure.
 74. A method according to claim 58, wherein at least a major part of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sample during exposure originates from or is caused by electromagnetic radiation supplied to the sample from a light source, at least a major part of the radiation from the light source having a direction which is transverse to the wall of the sample compartment or a plane defined by the compartment.
 75. A method according to claim 58, wherein the parameter to be assessed is the number of the bacteria per volume of the liquid analyte material.
 76. A method according to claim 58, wherein the parameter(s) to be assessed is the size and/or shape of the bacteria in the liquid analyte material.
 77. A method according to claim 75, wherein the size of the volume of the liquid sample is sufficiently large to allow identification therein of at least 100 of the bacteria.
 78. A method according to claim 58, comprising applying a volume of between 0.01 μl and 20 μl of a liquid sample representing the liquid analyte material, or bacteria isolated from a volume of a liquid sample representing the liquid analyte material, to the sample compartment the sample in the sample compartment being at stand still during the exposure, and in the case where at least a major part of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the sample during exposure originates from or is caused by electromagnetic radiation supplied to the sample from a light source, then at least a major part of the radiation from the light source having a direction which is transverse to the wall of the sample compartment or a plane defined by the compartment, and the individual bacteria the parameter or parameters of which is/are to be assessed are imaged on at the most 25 detection elements of the array of detection elements.
 79. A method according claim 58, wherein the parameter to be assessed is the presence or non-presence of a particular type of bacteria in the liquid analyte material.
 80. A method according to claim 58, wherein bacteria isolated from a liquid sample representing the analyte are applied to the sample compartment or arranged in the sample compartment, the bacteria being retained on a bacterium retaining means selected from means chemically binding the bacteria, means capable of electronically or magnetically retaining the bacteria, and filtering means.
 81. A method according to claim 58, wherein the signal which is detected by the detecting elements originates from one or several types of molecules of types which bind to, are retained within, or interact with, the bacteria, such molecules being added to the sample or the isolated bacteria before or during exposure, the molecules being molecules giving rise to one or several of the following phenomena: attenuation of electromagnetic radiation, photoluminescence when illuminated with electromagnetic radiation, scatter of electromagnetic radiation, raman scatter.
 82. A method according to claim 81, wherein an effective amount of one or more nucleic acid dyes and/or one or more potentiometric membrane dyes is added.
 83. A method according to claim 58, wherein the duration of the exposure is in the range from 100 milliseconds to 5 seconds.
 84. A method according to claim 83, wherein the duration of the exposure is in the range of 0.5 to 3 seconds.
 85. A method according to claim 83, wherein the exposure is performed as a single exposure.
 86. A method according to claim 58, wherein compression of information of the intensities representing distinct objects scattered over an area, an object being represented by a variation in the intensity information. said information existing in the form of varying degrees of measurable intensity of a physical property distributed over a confined area divided into sub-areas, each of which sub-areas having assigned thereto an index uniquely identifying the sub-area, the method comprising determining the intensity of the physical property, a) defining a sub-area of interest situated in a group of sub-areas comprising of at least 2×2 sub-areas situated adjacent to each other, b) evaluating in said sub-area of interest at least one directional derivative(s) of the measurable intensity in the sub-area of interest with respect to predetermined geometrical direction(s) in the plane of the confined area, the directional derivative(s) is (are) based on measurable intensities in sub-areas situated adjacent to or in proximity of the group of sub-area, c) based on the evaluation of the at least one directional derivative an attribute is assigned to the value assigned to said sub-area of interest; the attribute represent an adjusted measurable intensity and/or information(s) related to a predetermined strategy for adjustment of the measurable intensity in the sub-area of interest or sub-areas situated adjacent to or in proximity to the sub-area of interest, d) repeating the step a)-c) for substantially all sub-areas of the confined area.
 87. A method according to claim 58, wherein the correlation comprises: identifying and counting substantially all detection elements having intensities which are distinct from background signals, adjusting the result of the counting by a predefined scaling value, the scaling value being directly related to the number of detection elements representing a signal from a bacterium, the result of the scaling being correlated to the number of bacteria represented exposure.
 88. A method according to claim 87, where the measured intensities of the detection elements have been adjusted prior to counting, the adjustment comprising the steps of: a) defining a range of a predetermined size in a co-ordinate system representing the intensity values of the detection elements, the size of the range being determined such that it is bigger than the representation of a bacterium having an average extension, b) choosing a first detection element, the first detection element being one of which the intensity is subject to an adjustment, c) positioning the range such that the detection element of which the intensity is to be adjusted is substantially in the centre of the range, d) adjusting the intensity of the detection element in the centre of the range based on the result of an investigation of at least one gradient describing the variation of the signal intensities inside the range and around the centre of the range by considering intensities of detection elements describing the gradient, and repeating the step b) through c) until a predetermined number of detection elements has been adjusted a predetermined number of times.
 89. A method according to claim 58, wherein the sample compartment from which electromagnetic signals from the sample in the sample compartment can pass to the exterior is adapted to allow the assessment of substantially only one sample of liquid analyte material.
 90. A method according to claim 89, wherein the sample compartment is connected with a reagent container, the reagent container containing one or several reagent component(s).
 91. A method according to claim 90, wherein the reagent container contains one or several reagent component(s) in an amount substantially adequate for substantially only one assessment. 